Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles...

Question 1 / 2707066636eec28f7522a1c51d015

Question 1 of 2707066636eec28f7522a1c51d015

Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when __________.

Back

Question 1 of 27070

Q

Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when __________.

🔍 Key Concepts

• initial stability at small angles of heel • relationship between G (center of gravity) and M (metacenter) • difference between stable, neutral, and unstable equilibrium

💭 Think About

• When a ship is heeled slightly, what combination of G and M causes the ship to keep rolling further instead of returning upright? • How does the position of G relative to M affect the sign (positive/zero/negative) of GM (metacentric height)? • Which condition describes a negative GM, and what does that mean for equilibrium at small angles?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which answer choice directly relates to the vertical relationship between G and M, not just whether they are on/off the centerline • Recall: stable equilibrium at small angles requires GM to be positive; what must be true for GM to be negative? • Eliminate any options that would normally be present even in a stable vessel at small angles of heel (think about how B behaves when the vessel heels).

Question 1 of 27070

Q

Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when __________.

A

G is off the centerline

B

G is above M

C

B is above G

D

B is off the centerline

Question 1 / 2707066636eec28f7522a1c51d015

Question 1 of 2707066636eec28f7522a1c51d015

Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when __________.

Back

Question 1 of 27070

Q

Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when __________.

🔍 Key Concepts

• initial stability at small angles of heel • relationship between G (center of gravity) and M (metacenter) • difference between stable, neutral, and unstable equilibrium

💭 Think About

• When a ship is heeled slightly, what combination of G and M causes the ship to keep rolling further instead of returning upright? • How does the position of G relative to M affect the sign (positive/zero/negative) of GM (metacentric height)? • Which condition describes a negative GM, and what does that mean for equilibrium at small angles?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which answer choice directly relates to the vertical relationship between G and M, not just whether they are on/off the centerline • Recall: stable equilibrium at small angles requires GM to be positive; what must be true for GM to be negative? • Eliminate any options that would normally be present even in a stable vessel at small angles of heel (think about how B behaves when the vessel heels).